Benedikt Howedes has given both Arsene Wenger and Louis Van Gaal food for thought going into the Summer transfer window by openly admitting he longs to one day play in England.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who has spent his entire career in Germany with childhood club Schalke 04 and has captained the club from the under 19's all the way to the senior first team.
Known for his commanding presence in defence and consistant performances, Benedikt has been one of the standout defenders in the Bundesliga for a number of years.
Arsenal have made their admirations for Howedes clear over previous seasons but it may come as some surprise that the player, who has a contract with Schalke 04 until 2017, has taken his intentions public with years still left on his current contract.
It is not unusual for players under contract to transfer away from clubs, having become part and parcel of the game, but it will come as an unwelcomed surprised to fans of the German club who idolise him as one of their own and a stalwart of the Schalke defense.
"England would be my goal.”
-Benedikt Howedes
Howedes, who was part of the Germany 2014 World Cup winning squad said; “If I am to leave Schalke one day, I do not want to move clubs within the Bundesliga.
“Schalke is too close to my heart to do so. But a move abroad at a certain time would be worth an experience."
Schalke 04 currently sit in fourth place in the Bundesliga, some 18 points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Despite frequently qualifying for the Champions League with his boyhood club and winning DFB-Pokal in the 2010/11 season and the DLF-Supercup in 2011; Benedikt may have to look abroad to add to his individual trophy honours.
Although Howedes doesn't hint a move is near, neither does he imply he wants to leave the club in the near future, Schalke may feel a need to cash in on the £14million rated German whilst interest in still in the player.
Arsenal fans, who already have one "BFG" at the Emirates in former Germany international team mate Per Mertersacker, will be hoping Howedes will pick North London over Manchester when it comes to deciding his eventual future.